When Bedford Creative Arts (BCA), on behalf of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HS HAZ) Cultural Consortium, commissioned a world-renowned illusion artist to produce the artwork for “The Vault”, they didn’t realise what a huge success it would be with the Bedford public and the wider press.
The powerful piece of 3D illusion art, titled The Vault, executed by international artist Julian Beever, in conjunction with Blank Walls, depicts a local urban myth that a hidden treasure – a bank vault – is still buried underneath the site. The artwork included past Bedford high street workers and shoppers who used the bank in their daily life.
The stunning piece captured the imaginations of the passing Bedford public who watched it unfold over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. It was equally popular with the press, gaining coverage in print, online, and on radio.
Ami Aubrey, Programme Producer for BCA said: “The response we have had to The Vault has been fantastic. There has been so much enthusiasm from the public as they walked by, and they were genuinely interested in finding out more. This is what we want to achieve, engagement with the public. Thanks to all our partners who have helped to fund the project and to promote it far and wide.
“We are really keen to tell the stories of the characters, Thomas (Thomazin) Lester the lace maker and Mary Pearson who was a baker working at 88 High Street. It’s such a big part of Bedford’s high street history.
“This is the start of a new High Street Heritage Action Zone delivery in Bedford and across other cities too, so watch this space for more art coming into the community. Bedford really has been a trail blazer for this project so we are really to proud to have delivered it.”
To get the most from this stunning piece of 3D anamorphic artwork, it is best viewed through a camera lens. Passers by are encouraged to take a photo of the piece and share to it on social media with their thoughts and using the hashtags #BedfordVault #HistoricHighStreets.
Funded by Historic England, and Bedford BID, plus supported by SEMLEP and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the High Street Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ) programme, led by Bedford Borough Council is set to unlock the potential of Bedford high street. The aim is to boost the economic, social and cultural recovery of the area post-pandemic.
Tony Calladine, Regional Director for Historic England in the East of England said: “I’m delighted that The Vault was such a success over the Bank Holiday weekend. It’s great to see an internationally renowned artist out on Bedford high street, engaging residents in their local history in such an interactive way. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for Bedford’s cultural programme, bringing to life the historic high street.”
The Vault Project will also have a digital offering, thanks to Bedford BID, where the public can delve deeper into the stories and characters that made the unique history of Bedford’s High Street.
The Bedford community are encouraged to share any stories of shopkeepers or local characters from the area to help build a rich collection of tales that will bring the high street to life and celebrate its relationship with local Bedfordians.
For more information visit: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/thevault
